Action 5: Implement community awareness Action 5: Implement community awareness program (Obj. 2, 5 & 8; Perf. Crit. 2, 5 & 8).

Action 5: Implement community awareness program (Obj. 2, 5 & 8; Perf. Crit. 2, 5 & 8).

All confirmed records over the past century (ie. 2) have been accidental, rather than targeted. Given the species’ rarity and the difficulty using traditional capture techniques, due to the various crab species, it is likely that future records will also be accidental. To enhance the profile of the shrew amongst islanders and interest groups, a community based awareness program is required. This should be based on a information brochure, to encourage reporting and assist distinguishing the shrew from other small mammals, such as the house mouse Mus musculus and immature black rat. The program should improve on publicity used previously to enhance the profile of the shrew, and include instructions on what to do if one is seen/found. It should also clearly explain what conservation actions will occur (and why) if shrews are found. Additionally, PAN staff should conduct information sessions with school groups, field staff from various organisations (e.g. Shire of Christmas Island, CI Phosphates Pty Ltd and Asia Pacific Space Centre), and other interest groups.

This community awareness program must be coupled with confirmation of reported sightings by qualified PAN staff. On confirmation, an assessment of the site’s attributes, and a survey within similar habitat in the vicinity should be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced personnel to identify the extent of the population. It would be valuable for PAN to establish a database for sightings, and devise procedures or protocols for assessing any reported sighting, and the handling of any individuals located.

STAGE 2 – SUBSEQUENT TO LOCATION OF EXTANT POPULATIONS